Families say members left behind evidence they were awaiting rapture

Published at 6:36 AM PDT on Sep 19, 2010

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This undated photo provided by Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Saturday Sept 18, 2010 shows Reyna Chicas, leader of the "cult-like" group missing in Southern California. Los Angeles County Sheriff's captain Mike Parker says the group from the Palmdale area left behind evidence that they were awaiting the rapture or some catastrophic event. (AP Photo/Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department)

Authorities say five adults and eight children from a "cult-like" group in Southern California have been reported missing by their families.

Parker says the husbands of two of the missing adults from the group was asked to keep a purse, and inside it found identification, personal papers and letters suggesting the group was awaiting the end of the world.

Parker says the group's leader -- Reyna Chicas of Palmdale -- is among the missing

They are believed to be in three vehicles: a white 2004 Nissan Quest, license plate number 6LJF396; a white 1995 Mercury Villager with license plate 3NFX290; and a newer model silver Toyota Tundra pickup with license plate 7P19309.

"Based on family statements and what we found in evidence leads us to believe they are in the Antelope Valley rather than elsewhere, but don't know that for a fact,'' Parker said.

The Associated Press reported that the group splintered from a mainstream Christian church in Palmdale. The husbands who reported the people missing said to investigators that they believe the sect members were "brainwashed" by Chicas, said Parker.

"We've got a group here that's practicing some orthodox and some unorthodox Christianity," he said. "Obviously this falls under the unorthodox."